North Carolinians Travel to Washington, DC to Advocate for Comprehensive Climate and Clean Energy Legislation

RALEIGH, NC - A statewide coalition of minority business owners, entrepreneurs, educators, and community activists traveled to Washington, DC this week to advocate for comprehensive climate and energy legislation on Capitol Hill. During a two-day trip that took place June 22 - 23, the group participated in policy briefings and met with the offices of Senator Kay Hagan and Congressmen Heath Shuler, Brad Miller, Mel Watt, David Price, Larry Kissell, and G.K. Butterfield, where they expressed the urgent need for Congress to pass comprehensive climate legislation that benefits all North Carolinians.

The following North Carolinians participated in the recent trip to Washington, DC:

• Ms. Stella Adams, Founder & CEO, S J Adams Consulting; Durham
• Mr. Maliek Carrington, President & Founder, Fishing4Reel Outdoors organization; HVAC Instructor, Central Piedmont Community College; Charlotte
• Mr. Melvin Davis, Private Equity Professional; Raleigh
• Dr. Patrick Graham, President & CEO, Urban League of Central Carolinas, LLC; Charlotte
• Dr. Valerie Ann Johnson, Director of Africana Women’s Studies, Bennett College for Women; Greensboro
• Mr. Jonathan Nazeer, President & CEO, Enviromedia Communications, LLC; Charlotte
• Mr. Michael Nettles, Sr., President & CEO, Creative Enhancements, LLC; Veteran, U.S. Marine Corps; Huntersville
• Ms. Jacqueline L. Patterson, Principal, Sheercom, LLC; Huntersville

Michael Nettles, who served 12 honorable years in the United States Marine Corps, highlighted the national security implications of climate change. “The disaster in the Gulf underscores our long term national security goal of reducing our dependence on oil. Whether it comes from hostile nations or friendly coasts, our dependence on oil and Congress’s failure to put America on a plan for true energy independence is costing us dearly.” Nettles currently runs a system integration company that he started in 2006, which focuses on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.

Another participant, Jonathan Nazeer, is a green social entrepreneur who serves as Chairman of the NC Central Piedmont Group of Sierra Club’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and State Director for the Hip Hop Caucus. “We are at an historic moment that calls for courageous leadership. Our Senators have a choice: they can stand with the oil industry and delay, or they can stand with the American people and enact a comprehensive climate and clean energy policy will create incentives for the private sector to invest in the latest clean energy technologies and move our country towards a clean energy future,” Nazeer said.

The trip was sponsored by Clean Energy Works, a diverse coalition of more than 80 grassroots organizations representing faith leaders, labor organizations, veterans, environmental activists, sportsmen, farmers, business leaders, youth, community leaders, and other groups, all calling for a comprehensive clean energy and climate plan that delivers clean energy jobs, less pollution, and a more secure America. In North Carolina, the Clean Energy Works coalition includes Conservation Council of North Carolina, Environment North Carolina, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, North Carolina Sierra Club, and the Pew Environment Group. For more information on Clean Energy Works, please visit www.cleanenergyworks.us. 

Clean Energy Works Fly-In participants (from left to right) Valerie Ann Johnson, Melvin Davis, Jacqueline Patterson, Patrick Graham, Jonathan Nazeer, Maliek Carrington, and Michael Nettles pose in front of Capitol Hill.	Clean Energy Works Fly-In participant Jonathan Nazeer thanks Congressman G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) for his time.

Clean Energy Works Fly-In participants (from left to right) Starla Adams, Michael Nettles, Jonathan Nazeer, Maliek Carrington, Jacqueline Patterson, Melvin Davis, Valerie Ann Johnson, and Patrick Graham pose with Senator Kay Hagan (center) after their meeting.